Ribs for sealing and aligning an outdoor lightguide luminaire

ABSTRACT

A luminaire can comprise a top housing fastened to a bottom housing, the top housing comprising at least one rib, the luminaire further comprising a lightguide disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing, the rib securing the lightguide against a gasket, wherein the gasket is located between the lightguide and the bottom housing, and the luminaire further comprising a light source disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing and further disposed adjacent an edge of the lightguide. The bottom housing can define an opening through which light emitted by the lightguide exits the luminaire.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of and claimspriority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/588,441,filed May 5, 2017, and titled “Ribs For Sealing And Aligning An OutdoorLightguide Luminaire,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/332,437, filed May 5, 2016, and titled “Ribs forSealing and Aligning An Outdoor Lightguide Luminaire”. The entirecontents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate generally to illumination systemsand more particularly to an outdoor luminaire with a lightguide.

BACKGROUND

As compared to incandescent and fluorescent light sources, lightemitting diodes (LEDs) offer substantial potential benefit associatedwith their energy efficiency, light quality, and compact size. However,to realize the full potential benefits offered by light emitting diodes,new technologies are needed.

For instance, there are needs in the art for technology to utilize lightemitting diodes for illumination. Need exists forlight-emitting-diode-based systems that can align light emitting diodeswith an edge of a lightguide for illumination. Need also exists forLED-based luminaires that can be sealed for use in outdoor environments.A capability addressing one or more such needs, or some other relateddeficiency in the art, would support improved illumination and morewidespread utilization of light emitting diodes in lightingapplications.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an outdoor lightguide luminairecomprising a lightguide sealed between a top housing and a bottomhousing. The lightguide can be sealed between the top housing and thebottom housing using a gasket positioned between the bottom housing andthe lightguide. An outer seal can be disposed between an outer perimeterof the top housing and an outer perimeter of the bottom housing. The tophousing comprises at least one rib that projects downward and securesthe lightguide against the gasket to form a seal. The rib also maintainsan alignment between a perimeter edge surface of the lightguide and oneor more light sources in order to maximize the amount of light thatenters the lightguide and minimize light losses. A wire tray is disposedbetween the top housing and the lightguide and comprises one or moreapertures through which the one or more ribs pass to secure thelightguide in the proper alignment and to maintain the seal with thegasket.

The foregoing and other alternate embodiments are encompassed by thenon-limiting examples described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will be made below to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an outdoor lightguide luminaire inaccordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the outdoor lightguide luminairein accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the outdoor lightguide luminaire inaccordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the outdoorlightguide luminaire in accordance with an example embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the outdoor lightguide luminairewith the top housing made transparent in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the disclosure.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore notto be considered limiting of the embodiments described, as other equallyeffective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certaindimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually conveycertain principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals amongdifferent figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarilyidentical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example outdoor lightguide luminaires described in this disclosureuse a lightguide for transmitting light. A lightguide can comprise apanel, slab, plate, or related form that can be flat or curved and thatcomprises two major faces that are internally reflective. Light can beintroduced into the lightguide from at one or more edge surfaces of thelightguide, so that the major faces guide the light toward a side of thelightguide that is opposite the edge surface where the light entered thelightguide. One or both of the major faces can have features thatprovide a controlled release of light flowing through the lightguide, toilluminate an area. Light can thus propagate in the lightguide viainternal reflection from the two major faces, traveling from thelight-source edge towards an opposing edge, and illumination light canescape from the lightguide through the major faces and the opposingedge. A light source can be positioned adjacent the first edge of thelightguide, so that the light source emits light into the lightguide viathe first edge. LEDs are an example of the light source that can be usedwith the lightguide, including but not limited to discrete LEDs, arraysof LEDs, and chip-on-board LEDs.

Some representative embodiments will be described more fully hereinafterwith example reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrateembodiments of the technology. The technology may, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the technology to those appropriately skilled in theart.

In certain example embodiments, the example luminaires are subject tomeeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the NationalElectric Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association(NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the FederalCommunication Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as to electrical enclosures(e.g., light fixtures), wiring, and electrical connections. As anotherexample, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets various standards for lightfixtures, including standards for heat dissipation. Use of exampleembodiments described herein meet (and/or allow a corresponding deviceto meet) such standards when required.

Any luminaire components (e.g., housings or heat sinks), describedherein can be made from a single piece (e.g., as from a mold, injectionmold, die cast, 3-D printing process, extrusion process, stampingprocess, or other prototype methods). In addition, or in thealternative, a luminaire (or components thereof) can be made frommultiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such acase, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each otherusing one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but notlimited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings,mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that aremechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in oneor more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly,hingedly, removeably, slidably, and threadably.

A coupling feature (including a complementary coupling feature) asdescribed herein can allow one or more components and/or portions of anexample heat sink or other component of a light fixture to becomecoupled, directly or indirectly, to another portion of the example heatsink or other component of a light fixture. A coupling feature caninclude, but is not limited to, a snap, Velcro, a clamp, a portion of ahinge, an aperture, a recessed area, a protrusion, a slot, a springclip, a tab, a detent, and mating threads. One portion of an exampleheat sink can be coupled to a light fixture by the direct use of one ormore coupling features.

In addition, or in the alternative, a portion of a luminaire can becoupled using one or more independent devices that interact with one ormore coupling features disposed on a component of the heat sink.Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a pin, ahinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), epoxy, glue,adhesive, tape, and a spring. One coupling feature described herein canbe the same as, or different than, one or more other coupling featuresdescribed herein. A complementary coupling feature (also sometimescalled a corresponding coupling feature) as described herein can be acoupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, withanother coupling feature.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “distal”,“proximal”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish one component(or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Suchterms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation,and are not meant to limit the embodiments described herein. In thefollowing detailed description of the example embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, well-known features have notbeen described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating thedescription.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example outdoor lightguide luminaire100 is illustrated. The outdoor lightguide luminaire comprises a tophousing 102 and a bottom housing 104 fastened together with fasteners106 and mounted on a post (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Within the tophousing and the bottom housing are located the components of theluminaire. The bottom housing 104 includes an aperture 108 through whichthe lightguide 110 is visible and through which the lightguide 110 emitslight to illuminate an area below the luminaire 100 such as a sidewalk.The bottom housing 104 is attached to one or more supports 113 thatconnect the bottom housing 104 to a base 114. The one or more supports113 and the base 114 can be formed as one integral component with thebottom housing 104 or they can be discrete components that are attachedto the bottom housing 104. While three supports 113 are shown in FIGS. 1and 2, in other embodiments a different number of supports can be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, further details of the internal componentsof the example outdoor lightguide luminaire 100 are shown. The tophousing 102 includes power supply modules 116 attached to an innersurface 118 of the top housing 102. For example, the power supplymodules 116 can include one or more drivers that supply power to theLEDs of the luminaire 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 3-5, the innersurface 118 of the top housing 102 defines a concave region 120 in whichthe power supply modules 116 are mounted.

Also located on the inner surface 118 of the top housing 102 are aseries of ribs 122. When the luminaire 100 is assembled, as best seen inFIG. 4, the ribs 122 of the top housing 102 pass through apertures 126in a wire tray 124 so that the ribs 122 can engage a reflector 128located on top of the top major surface 111 of the lightguide 110. Onthe opposite side of the lightguide 110 is the bottom major surface 112and located between the bottom major surface 112 of the lightguide 110and the bottom housing 104 is a gasket 130. When the ribs 122 engage thereflector 128 located on the top major surface 111 of the lightguide110, the ribs 122 maintain a seal between the gasket 130 and the bottommajor surface 112 of the lightguide 110 so that moisture and otherexternal elements cannot enter the inner portion of the luminaire 100.As shown in the example in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ribs 122 are located in acircular pattern around the periphery of the top housing 102 in order toprovide even compression of the lightguide 110 against the gasket 130.Alternate embodiments of the disclosure can use a varying number ofribs, ribs having different shapes, and ribs located in variouspositions on the top housing 102.

The ribs 122 also perform a second function in that they ensure thelightguide 110 is properly aligned with one or more light modules 136located along the periphery of the lightguide 110. As best seen in FIG.4, the light module 136 includes one or more LEDs 138 that are orientedto direct light into the perimeter edge surface 140 of the lightguide110. Proper alignment of the LEDs 138 with the perimeter edge surface140 of the lightguide 110 minimizes light losses. Light emitted by theLEDs 138 travels into the perimeter edge surface 140 of the lightguide110, through the lightguide 110 and then exits through the bottom majorsurface 112 of the lightguide 110 and through the aperture 108 in thebottom housing 104.

The example shown in FIGS. 1-5 includes a reflector 128 positioned onthe top major surface 111 of the lightguide 110 so that light exitingthe top major surface 111 of the lightguide 110 is directed by thereflector 128 back into the lightguide 110. In alternate embodiments ofthe disclosure, a reflector may not be included. For example, alternateembodiments of the disclosure may include a top housing with an aperturedesigned so that light exits the top major surface 111 of the lightguide110 and then exits the top of the luminaire through the aperture in thetop housing. Additionally, the example shown in FIGS. 1-5 includesmultiple light modules located along the perimeter of the lightguide. Inalternate embodiments of the disclosure, a single light module can beused.

The example outdoor lightguide luminaire 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 alsoincludes a wire tray 124 for securing and routing electrical wiring fromthe power supplies 116 to the light modules 136. The wire tray 124 canensure that wiring is not pinched by the ribs 122 or the other internalfeatures of the luminaire. The wire tray 124 is located between thepower supplies 116 attached to the top housing 102 and the lightguide110. The wire tray 124 can be fastened to the bottom housing 104 usingfasteners 150 as shown in FIG. 4. As referenced above, the wire tray 124includes apertures 126 that permit the ribs 122 to pass through the wiretray 124 and engage the reflector 128 located on top of the top majorsurface 111 of the lightguide 110. The wire tray 124 also includes aseries of flanges 148 and apertures 149 for safely routing wires fromthe power supplies 116 to the light modules 136.

Referring again to FIG. 4, further details of the inner cavity of theluminaire 100 can be seen that enable the sealing and aligningadvantages described herein. For example, the bottom housing 104comprises a first inner protrusion 132 and a second inner protrusion134. The first inner protrusion 132 is located along an inner perimeter131 of the bottom housing 104. The first inner protrusion 132 and secondinner protrusion 134 provide a position on which the gasket 130 can besecurely mounted. The combination of the first inner protrusion 132, thesecond inner protrusion 134, the gasket 130, the lightguide 110 and therib 122 create a seal along the inner portion of the luminaire 100.

A seal is also achieved along the outer perimeter of the luminaire 100.The top housing 102 comprises a top outer perimeter 152 and the bottomhousing 104 comprises a bottom outer perimeter 154. An outer seal 145 isdisposed between the top outer perimeter 152 and the bottom outerperimeter 154 to create a seal along the outer perimeter of theluminaire when the top housing 102 and the bottom housing 104 arefastened with fasteners 106. The bottom outer perimeter 154 has agreater thickness than the inner perimeter 131 so that the bottom outerperimeter 154 can receive fasteners 150 for securing the wire tray 124to the bottom housing 104.

The bottom housing 104 also accommodates the one or more light modules136 located around the bottom housing 104. Specifically, the one or morelight modules 136 are secured to the bottom housing 104 between thesecond inner protrusion 134 and the thicker bottom outer perimeter 154.The position of the light modules 136 on the bottom housing 104 permitsthe light sources 138 to be properly aligned with the perimeter edgesurface 140 of the lightguide 110.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesedisclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosures are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of this application. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A luminaire comprising: a top housing fastened toa bottom housing, the top housing comprising a plurality of ribs; alightguide disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing, theplurality of ribs extending from an inner surface of the top housing andsecuring the lightguide against a gasket, wherein the gasket is locatedbetween the lightguide and the bottom housing; and a light sourcedisposed between the top housing and the bottom housing and furtherdisposed adjacent a perimeter edge surface of the lightguide.
 2. Theluminaire of claim 1, further comprising a wire tray with flanges forrouting of electrical wires from at least one power supply to the lightsource.
 3. The luminaire of claim 2, wherein the wire tray comprises atleast one aperture through which the plurality of ribs pass to securethe lightguide against the gasket.
 4. The luminaire of claim 2, whereinthe wire tray comprises a wire tray outer perimeter, the wire tray outerperimeter comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving fastenersfor fastening the wire tray to the bottom housing.
 5. The luminaire ofclaim 2, wherein the wire tray is fastened to the bottom housing.
 6. Theluminaire of claim 2, wherein the wire tray comprises a central aperturethrough which light can pass from the lightguide.
 7. The luminaire ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom housing comprises an aperture through whichlight from the lightguide is emitted from the luminaire.
 8. Theluminaire of claim 1, wherein the luminaire can be mounted on a post. 9.The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs maintainalignment between the light source and the perimeter edge surface of thelightguide so that light emitted by the light source enters theperimeter edge surface of the lightguide.
 10. The luminaire of claim 1,wherein an outer perimeter of the top housing and an outer perimeter ofthe bottom housing are circular.
 11. The luminaire of claim 1, furthercomprising an outer seal disposed between an outer perimeter of the tophousing and an outer perimeter of the bottom housing.
 12. The luminaireof claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge surface of the lightguide isdisposed between a top major surface and a bottom major surface of thelightguide.
 13. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein an inner surface ofthe top housing defines a concavity in which a power supply is disposed.14. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light source is furtherdisposed outside a perimeter of the gasket and within a perimeter of anouter seal.
 15. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light sourcecomprises one or more light emitting diodes disposed to direct lightinto the perimeter edge surface of the lightguide.
 16. A luminairecomprising: a top housing fastened to a bottom housing, the top housingcomprising a rib; a lightguide disposed between the top housing and thebottom housing; a reflector located on a top surface of the lightguide,wherein the rib engages the reflector and secures the lightguide againstthe bottom housing; and a light source disposed between the top housingand the bottom housing and further disposed adjacent a perimeter edgesurface of the lightguide.
 17. The luminaire of claim 16, wherein thebottom housing comprises an aperture through which light from thelightguide is emitted from the luminaire.
 18. The luminaire of claim 16,wherein one or more supports connect the bottom housing to a base of theluminaire.
 19. The luminaire of claim 16, wherein the rib maintainsalignment between the light source and the perimeter edge surface of thelightguide so that light emitted by the light source enters theperimeter edge surface of the lightguide.
 20. The luminaire of claim 16,wherein an inner surface of the top housing defines a concavity in whicha power supply is disposed.